Hello, loyal readership. Thank you for following along over the last few years as we have pontificated, together, on the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. As the Trump Administration begins, there have been countless developments on this front, each of which reminds us of the agency that technologists hold over our lives. There are lessons abound about how the right people in the right places can wield technology for good — or not.
All of that said, I have decided to take a new professional opportunity with a large media organization. As a result, I will have to stop commenting publicly and will be suspending the Ethical Technologist Substack for the time being. My work at Darden will continue, and I would be happy to engage with you in that capacity. My email there is leinerb@darden.virginia.edu.
Never has it been more important to advocate for the healthy deployment of technology in the private sector, government, and in our personal lives. In a world where the government has decided to take a step back, it is up to every one of us to decide what world we want to live in, what role technology ought to play in that world, and what we need to do — as voters, employees, parents, and users — to bring that vision to life.
It has been a pleasure writing this newsletter and corresponding with all of you. Thank you for following along as we navigate these interesting times.
Worth losing the newsletter to gain the bigger impact you’ll deliver in your new role. Congrats!!